Musician shot and killed by deputies in San Leandro told 911 he wanted to go on 'killing rampage'
BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- Authorities say the man shot by Alameda County deputies on Monday outside his home near San Leandro had what appeared to be a firearm.
Forty-year-old Anthony Anderson, best known as "Anthony Ant," died early Monday morning. Deputies say he called 911, saying he had a gun and threatened to hurt others. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office says he said he wanted to go on a "killing rampage" and asked to speak with law enforcement.
When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene they say Anderson was an immediate threat, so they opened fire. In a release on Thursday, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office says Anderson pointed an object at the deputies that "was designed to resemble a firearm."
RELATED: CA Dept. of Justice investigating deadly shooting involving Alameda Co. Sheriff's deputies
At the Starry Plough in Berkeley, rests a memorial for Anderson, who was a trumpet player.
"What he created here was really remarkable and it's just really sad," said patron, Nat Binns.
Anderson was the force behind the Starry Plough's beloved free funk jams on Thursday nights.
"It's something that is a free cultural event in the community at a place where people feel really welcomed. And Anthony was the heart and soul of that," said Binns.
The California Attorney General's Office says it's now investigating the incident under Assembly Bill 1506, which requires review of cases in which law enforcement kills an unarmed person.
On Thursday night, Starry Plough will be hosting a tribute to Anderson, complete with live music.
"I think everyone should attend and show support. It's important and much needed," said patron Rafael Morales.
